KENDAL hockey team had a disappointing return to action with their first game of the New Year ending in a 4-1 defeat to Preston 3s at the Cinder Ovens playing surface at Kirkbie Kendal School.

Unfortunately for Kendal the match seemed to start without them and Preston scored 30 seconds into the game without the home team touching the ball.

A second was soon added to the scoreboard as Kendal struggled to find the intensity required to match Preston's fast start.

After reshuffling their formation Kendal started to play their way back into the game and as half time approached The Greens began to dominate the match.

Man of the match Liam Derome was is fine form as he danced his way down the left wing, seemingly untouchable as he repeatedly charged into the Preston D. However, despite creating several good chances Kendal could not find the net.

Kendal started the second half confident that they could play their way back into the game. Aaron Screen pulled a goal back for The Greens, powering and drag flick beyond the keeper from a penalty corner.

Kendal began to dominate possession as they pushed for another goal. Ewan Galloway, Tyson Barclay and Mike Hinchliffe all came tantalising close to scoring, but Kendal could not brake through.

Now playing on the break Preston took advantage of Kendal's high line and added a third goal to their tally. As the match wound down Kendal pushed even harder for a goal leaving the space behind them for Preston to add a fourth at the death.